E-Book Overview
Wind energy is the fastest growing source of energy in the world, and by the year 2020 it is projected to supply at least 12 percent of global electrical demand.
Wind Power Basics provides a clear understanding of wind and wind energy systems, including turbines, towers, inverters and batteries, site assessment, installation, and maintenance requirements.
Whether you’re considering your own small-scale wind energy system or just want a straightforward, detailed introduction to the benefits and challenges of this rapidly emerging technology, Wind Power Basics is the guide you need.
Dan Chiras is a respected educator and an internationally acclaimed author who has published more than twenty-five books on residential renewable energy and green building, including Power From the Wind.
E-Book Content
Advance Praise for WIND POWER Basics Renewable energy systems are a future imperative that Dan Chiras’ approach grounds firmly in the present. This thorough, practical work details small-scale and commercial wind power in terms accessible to any level of interest. Akin to the exuberant expertise of Julia Child, this book could be called “Mastering the Art of Wind Power.” — Jean Ponzi, Green Resources Manager, EarthWays Center of Missouri Botanical Garden Speaking as an installer of small wind systems, I wish this book had been available when I first started my business. Now that I’m training small wind installers, I will recommend this book to all my students. This book is a wonderful source of basic wind info and a must have for small wind newbies! — Roy Butler, NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer®, NYSERDA eligible PV & wind installer, PA Sunshine Program Approved PV Installer In Wind Power Basics, Dan has again shown his true brilliance gained from years of passionate commitment to, and teaching of, sustainability. He takes on a vast subject, understanding it thoroughly through his own study and experience, and then presents it in a concise, complete and easy-to-understand manner. He has covered everything one needs to know about small wind systems in one volume. For anyone contemplating a wind system, or simply wanting to understand them, this book is the definitive guide. — James Plagmann, AIA + LEED AP — Green Architect I’ve followed the pioneering work of Dan Chiras for many years, watching him emerge as the go-to guy for energy self-reliance. Through meticulous research and many hands-on projects, Chiras has acquired essential, how-to knowledge about small-scale renewable energy. In Wind Power Basics, he shares what he knows in a very accessible way. Get this book onto your kitchen table and spend pleasant time with it! — David Wann, coauthor of Affluenza and author of Simple Prosperity Dan Chiras is as reliable as a Swiss watch — once again he’s created a text that’s as accessible as it is informative. I look forward to recommending this book to all my clients who are exploring wind energy. — Ann Edminster, author, Energy Free: Homes for a Small Planet With Mick Sagrillo and Ian Woofenden and technical advisors Robert Aram, PE and Jim Green, PE Illustrations by Anil Rao, Ph.D. Cataloging in Publication Data A catalog record for this publication is available from the National Library of Canada. Copyright © 2010 by Dan Chiras. All rights reserved. Cover design by Diane McIntosh. Cover images © iStock: background leaf: alphacat; wind turbine: Arpad Benedek; electrical cord: Diane Labombarbe Illustrations by Anil Rao, Ph.D. Printed in Canada by Friesens.First printing April 2010 Paperback ISBN: 978-0-86571-617-9 Inquiries regarding requests to reprint all or part of Wind Power Basics should be addressed to New Society Publishers at the address below. To order directly from the publishers, please call toll-free (North America) 1-800-567-6772,